SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 1 -

CHAPTER 2. SOIL-WATER POTENTIAL: CONCEPTS AND

MEASUREMENT

Contents:

• Transport mechanisms
• Water properties
• Definition of soil-water potential
• Measurement of soil-water potential
• Soil-water retention curve
• Components of total soil-water potential

Transport:

1. Solute molecules, dissolved in gas or liquid, move from high to low concentration
Driving force for movement is difference in concentration with distance
Transport is formulated by Fick’s law of diffusion

2. Heat moves from high to low temperature

Driving force for heat transport is difference in temperature with distance
Heat transport is formulated by Fourier’s law of heat conduction

3. Current (movement of electrons) is caused by electrical potential differences

Electrons move from high to low potential
Current is computed from Ohm’s law

4. Water moves from high to low pressure or potential

Driving force is difference in its pressure with distance
In addition water will move by gravitational forces

In soils, water moves by pressure (or water potential) and gravitational forces

Water flow is described by DARCY’s law

ALL TRANSPORT FOLLOWS SIMILAR MATHEMATICAL LAWS AS DARCY

SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 2 -

Water properties:

Water is an unusual fluid and has much different physical properties than other substances
with equal molecular weight

n high boiling and melting point

n low fluid density
n high heat of melting and vaporization
n high specific heat
n large dielectric constant
n good solvent

Molecular structure of water (H2O):

H O
H
105o
H
O

1.38 A

H2O molecule has no net charge (neutral), but charge distribution is asymmetrical, with the
center of negative charge not coinciding with center of positive charge;

Consequently, water molecule is polar;

H-atoms of water molecules are hydrogen bonded with O atoms of surrounding molecules,
acting as attraction forces between water molecules;

Hydrogen bonding explains the physical properties of water, and its weak crystalline
structure;

J Why does ice float on water ???

SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 3 -

Surface tension

Molecules at fluid interface are exposed to different forces than within fluids. For example,
at the water-air interface, a net inward force exists because of higher density of water
molecules in water than in air. Within the water there is no net attraction in any direction.
Therefore, water at interface has membrane-like properties. The extra energy of the water
at the interface is called surface tension, σ, and is defined as energy per unit surface area
(Nm/m2) or force per unit length.

Vapor molecules

Liquid surface
Net inward
force
Liquid molecules

Surfactants (organics, detergents) concentrate at liquid-gas interface, because attraction of

solute molecules to water is less than cohesive attraction forces (by hydrogen bonding)
between water molecules.

Net effect is reduction of surface tension by surfactants

Surface tension of air-water = 72 dynes/cm = 0.072 N/m

J How does surface tension depend on temperature ?

Viscosity

Resistance of fluid flow is caused by attraction forces between fluid molecules, thereby
resisting motion from one laminar fluid layer to another.

Pressure forces causing fluid flow is counteracted by these drag forces.

Viscosity is defined by relation between drag force, τ, (N/m2) and velocity gradient
perpendicular to direction of flow:
SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 4 -

τ = ν dv/dy ,

where ν is dynamic viscosity (Ns/m2)

J What has higher viscosity: air or water; which fluid will experience the larger drag
force, and how is viscosity affected by temperature ?

Osmotic pressure:

Occurs when solutions of different concentrations are separated by a semi-permeable

membrane. Random motion of water and solute molecules create a net movement of water
to the compartment with higher concentration, until equilibrium is reached.

This net movement by concentration differences is called diffusion

Solution Water

At equilibrium, net water movement is eliminated by increase in water pressure, Π,

Π = CRT

where Π is defined as osmotic pressure (N/m2), C is solute concentration (mol/m3), T is

temperature (K), and R is universal gas constant (8.314 J/mol K).

J Salt water can be purified to drinking water by reverse osmosis. Explain.

Capillary Rise:
SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 5 -

For a curved interface, the pressure is greater on the concave side of the air-water
interface. For a hemispherical interface (with radius R), this pressure difference, ∆P, can
be derived from a force balance, and is equal to

∆P = 2σ/R = Pair − Pwater

That is, the surface tension force is balanced by a pressure drop across the air-water
interface:

Air Air Air

R
R

Water Water
Water

Pair = Pwater Pair < Pwater Pair > Pwater

Hence, the fluid pressure is always greater on the concave side of the interface, with the
difference determined by the radius of the curvature and the surface tension.

Contact angle (γ) is the angle measured from the liquid-solid interface to the liquid-air
interface. For a small angle (<90o), liquid is preferentially attracted to the solid surface (by
adhesion forces), and wets the solid. If cohesion forces of liquid are stronger than the
attractive force to the solid, the liquid repels from the solid surface and γ is large (mercury
on glass).

γ γ
γ

Small contact angle, < 90o Large contact angle, > 90o
Liquid wets the solid Liquid repelled by solid
Hydrophilic surface Hydrophobic surface

The contact angle adjusts to attain equilibrium between various surface tension forces.
If a capillary tube is inserted in water, the water will form a concave meniscus because of
net surface tension forces pulling it along the capillary wall. If diameter is small enough,
the air-water interface will be curved, causing a pressure difference across the air-water
SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 6 -

interface.

Consequently, the water in the capillary will rise. At equilibrium, the upward surface
tension force is equal to the downward force by the weight of the water in the capillary.

The resulting capillary rise equation for a tube with capillary radius R is:

ρwgH = 2σ/r = 2σ cosγ/R,

where H is the height of capillary rise and ρw is the water density. This is also called the
La Place equation ( r is radius of curvature) .

J Where would the level of the interface be if the capillary was filled with mercury,
which is repelled by the glass capillary?
SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 7 -

Energy state of soil water:

The total energy state of soil water is defined by its equivalent potential energy, as
determined by the various forces acting on the water per unit quantity.

In general, flow rates of water in soils is too small to consider kinetic energy. Therefore,
the energy state of soil water is defined by its equivalent potential energy, that is by virtue
of its position in a force field.

Forces acting on soil water (in the vadose zone) are:

• Capillary forces
• Adsorptive forces (adhesion of water to solid soil surfaces)

Capillary and adsorptive forces together result in soil matric potential

Capillary water

Adsorbed water
soil

• Gravitational forces
• Drag or shear forces (at soil surface-water interface)

Water in the soil flows from points with high soil-water potential energy to points of lower
potential energy:

Driving force for flow is the change in potential energy with distance (soil-water potential
gradient)

These driving forces determine:

- Direction and magnitude of water flow

- Plant water extraction rate
- Drainage volumes
- Upward water movement (or capillary rise)
- Soil temperature changes
- Solute (contaminant) transport rates
Definitions of soil-water potential:
SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 8 -

To quantify potential energy state of soil water, a reference state is needed.

It is defined as the potential energy of pure water, with no external forces acting on it, at a
reference pressure (atmospheric), reference temperature, and reference elevation. Soil-
water potential is then determined as potential energy per unit quantity of water, relative to
the reference potential of zero.

Soil water potential is measured as potential energy per unit quantity of water, relative to
this reference soil water potential.

J The soil below the groundwater table is saturated with water. Is the soil water potential
below the groundwater larger or smaller than this reference potential ?

Formal definition:

Total soil water potential is defined as the amount of work per unit quantity of pure
water that must be done by external forces to transfer reversibly and isothermally an
infinitesimal amount of water from the standard state to the soil at the point under
consideration.

Since water in soil has various forces acting upon it, potential energy usually differs
from point to point, and hence its potential energy is variable as well.

soil

J Do we need to exert work to move water from the reference state (at atmospheric
pressure) to the capillary water with the curved interface of the soil above, and hence is
the soil water potential there positive or negative ?

REMEMBER: Potential = Force x Distance = mgl =ρ wVgl (Nm)

Soil water potenial can be expressed in three different units:

SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 9 -

Potential per unit mass (µ) : µ = potential/mass = gl (Nm/kg)

Potential per unit volume (ψ ) : ψ = potential/volume = ρwVgl / V = ρwgl (N/m2,

water pressure units)

Potential per unit weight (h) : h = potential/weight = mgl / mg = l (m, head unit)
= equivalent height of water

Consequently, we do not need to compute the soil-water potential directly by

computing the amount of work needed, but measure the soil-water potential indirectly
from pressure or water height measurements !!!!

Total soil water potential , ΨT

ΨT = Ψp + Ψz + Ψs + Ψa (N/m2)

where Ψp , Ψz , Ψs , and Ψa are pressure, gravitational, solute (osmotic) and air pressure
potentials, respectively.

Most of our discussion will only include Ψp and Ψz

so ψ T = ψ p + ψ z

or when potential expressed per unit weight: H = h + z

Ψ p - pressure potential
Energy per unit volume of water required to transfer an infinitesimal quantity of water from
a reference pool of water at the elevation of the soil to the point of interest in the soil at
reference air pressure and temperature.

Pressure potential can be both negative and positive.

If soil is saturated, Ψ p is positive, and also denoted by hydrostatic pressure potential.

If the soil is unsaturated, Ψ p is negative, and also denoted by matric potential (Ψm in book).

[However, if only water column: Ψ = Ψ p (can be both < 0 and > 0), as opposed to water
in soil matrix.]

When expressed in energy per unit weight (m) than we use hp or simply h.

J How is pressure potential of water (ψ p) in soil related to µp?

SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 10 -

F
P= makes F = PA
A

Fl PAl PV P ψp
µp = = = = =
m m m ρw ρ w

thus ψ p = µ p ρ w

Also, soil water pressure head is

hp = h = Ψp / ρwg

Unless otherwise specified, we will express potential on a weight basis.

How to measure pressure potential in soil ?

Porous cup

SOIL
hp = -10 cm

Water-filled tube

ψ p=ρwghp = ρwgh Then if h = hp = - 10 cm : ψ p= ρwgh = 1,000 (kg/m3) x 9.8

(m/s2) x -0.10 (m) = - 980 N/m2 = -980 Pa = -0.98 kPa (1Pa=1 N/m2)

And µp = ψ p/ρw = -980/1,000 = -0.98 Nm/kg

How to measure hp in a field soil? (tensiometer)

SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 11 -

F1 F2 F3

C B

x Mercury reservoir

A 10 cm

y 100 cm

water-filled tensiometer tube

D porous cup

At equilibrium, all forces must balance.

The 3 forces in a tensiometer with a Hg manometer are as follows;

That is, F1 + F2 = F3

F1 - force due to soil trying to pull H2O from tensiometer

F2 - weight of H2O in the tensiometer and tubing up to the level
of the Hg meniscus
F3 - weight of mercury in tubing of height X

*Note the H2O in the tubing above the dashed line BC (see figure) is not considered
because the downward forces due to H2O in both halves of the "U-tube" are equal.

F1 + F2 = F3
The sign (+ or -) of F1 is unknown at this stage. However, since F2 and F3 are acting
downward, both forces are exerting a negative pull on the water located at the broken line.
Thus, they are assigned negative values.
SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 12 -

Thus: M1g - M2g = -M3g

ρwV1g-ρwV2g = -ρHgV3g

If we express this on a per unit area basis (NOTE: ψ p =ρwgh )

ρw g h - ρw g y = - 13.5 ρw gX

Divide by ρw g and rearrange to solve for h

h = y - 13.5 X

Example from tensiometer figure on previous page:

Tensiometer cup is 100 cm below soil surface

h = 100 + 10 + X - 13.5 X

If X = 20 cm,

h = 100 + 10 + 20 - 13.5 (20) = - 140 cm

a negative soil-water pressure potential (matric potential head)

If X = 5 cm,

h = 100 + 10 + 5 - 13.5 (5) = + 47.5 cm

I.e., a positive pressure potential (hydrostatic pressure head)

Thus, tensiometers can measure both + and – soil-water pressure potentials, i.e.,
hydrostatic pressure and matric potentials.

Alternatively, instead of force balance, one can state that at hydraulic equilibrium the total
water potential at B is equal to total water potential at point D.
SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 13 -

Then: At B: z = 10 + X (soil surface is reference level)

h = -ρHg/ρH2O X = -ρHg X

At D: z = - 100
h = hD

Total water potential at B = total water potential at D, or

10 + X - ρHgX = -100 + hD or hD = 110+X - 13.5X = Y - 13.5X

J Would the rise of fluid in the reservoir (X) increase or decrease if its density would be
less than mercury, for the same soil water potential at point D ?

Hence, why would one use mercury instead of a lighter fluid ?

J What is the soil-water pressure at location D, if x = 0 ?

SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 14 -

Let us use yet another method:

C B

x Mercury reservoir

A 10 cm

y 100 cm

water-filled tensiometer tube

D porous cup

• Assume that at the time of measurement, the fluids in the tensiometer are at hydraulic
equilibrium, i.e., fluid is static;

• For a static fluid (not in motion), change in pressure occurs only with a change in
elevation. That is, along the horizontal plane, the pressure will be constant;

• Also, the fluid pressure changes inversely with elevation. If one travels upward in the
fluid (positive z), the pressure decreases; and if one goes downward (negative z), the
pressure increases; Therefore, in diagram: pressure at C = pressure at B or ψ C = ψ B

• ψ B = -ρHg gX (hanging column of mercury)

ψ C = - ρw gY + ρw ghp,D ( = - ρw gY + ψ D) , where Y = 100 + 10 + X and ψ D is the

pressure potential of soil water at point D, expressed by potential per unit volume
(pressure units);

• Since ρHg = 13.5ρw

-13.5ρw gX = - ρw gY + ρw ghp,D or hD = Y - 13.5X

Methods for measuring hp (soil water pressure potential):

SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 15 -

Tensiometer 0 to -80 kPa (= -0.8 bars = approximately -800 cm)

- measures water pressure relative to atmospheric pressure

- water boils if hp in tensiometer < vapor pressure of water
- measurement range limited by air entry value of porous cup

mercury types gauge types transducer types

Electrical Resistance Blocks 0 to -980 or -1,500 kPa

SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 16 -

(0 to -10 or -15 bars)

Resistance(R) depends upon amount of H2O in block. Must be calibrated. Requires good
soil contact, and R depends on ionic concentration in block. Accurate only in dry range.

Thermocouple Psychrometer -98 to –3,000 kPa

SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 17 -

(-1 to -30 bars)

-Measures contribution of matric + osmotic potential to soil-water vapor pressure

-Measures vapor pressure of the thermocouple chamber and assumes

equilibrium with the soil in the chamber

-Uses wet and dry junctions to establish vapor pressure deficit

Heat Dissipation Sensor -9.8 to -100,000 kPa)

(-0.1 to –1,000 bars)

-Measures rate at which heat is conducted away from a heat source, using
temperature response close to heat source (using thermocouple or thermister).

-The more water in porous matrix, the faster the heat is conducted away.

Soil-water characteristic curve (soil-water retention curve):

• Describes relationship between soil-water pressure potential and volumetric water

content;
• Is determined by simultaneous measurement of water content and pressure potential;
• As soil drains, the largest soil pores empty first since the capillary forces are smallest
in these pores. As the soil drains further, the maximum diameter of the water-filled
pores further decreases, corresponding with pores that have decreasing values for the
pressure potential (water is held by larger capillary forces);
• Soil-water retention is unique, and is a function of pore size distribution;
• At a pressure potential of zero, the soil’s volumetric water content is defined as the
saturated water content;
• The maximum pressure potential at which soil begins to desaturate (starting at
saturation) is defined as the air entry value of the soil, and is determined by the largest
pores in the soil;
SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 18 -

-300

h (cm) -200 sand clay

-100

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5

volumetric water content

• Soil available water is defined as the water content difference between field capacity
(h=-330 cm) and permanent wilting point (h = -15,000 cm); Will be discussed later !!!
J Would you expect the soil-water retention curve to be different if it was determined by
desorption or adsorption ?

Hysteresis
-300

wetting or adsorption curve

h (cm) -200

drying or desorption curve

SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 19 -

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5

volumetric water content

The cause of hysteresis is attributed to:

• Contact angle is larger for wetting than drying of the soil;
• Entrapment of air during soil wetting;
• “Ink bottle” effect. Pore necks (throats prevent complete drainage of soil pores)

a f
f

b c
pore drainage
-h
e
e b
c pore a
filling f

f θ

How to measure the soil-water retention curve:

1. Buchner funnels can be used up to about -300 cm

soil
sample

porous
plate

hanging water column

tube filled
with water
SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 20 -

J If the length of the hanging water column is X and the system is in hydraulic
equilibrium, what is the pressure potential in the soil sample ?

2. Pressure cell (Tempe Cell)

- good to -98 kPa (-1 bar)

- takes a long time to reach equilibrium in an undisturbed, full- size core

- is used by applying positive air pressure to soil core

3. Pressure plate

- good to - 1,500 kPa (-15 bar)

- not convenient for large, undisturbed cores
- soil can be disturbed because the water present in the
drier range occurs in soil micropores instead of the
normal pore structure
- conductivity of plate too small for wet range determination

Components of the Tempe cell method

Air pressure is applied

Pressure
Control

Soil core

Water collects
in burette until
equilibrium is
established

Air-bubble trap
SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 21 -

Metal Ring
Soil core

O-Rings

Porous Ceramic Plate

Vertical cross section of the cell

SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 22 -

Pressure plate apparatus

J If 1 bar gauge pressure is applied to the pressure plate apparatus, and water drainage
has stopped, then what is the pressure potential of the soil water in the cores ?

Components of Total Soil-Water Potential:

Ψ p – soil-water pressure potential

Remember:
Energy per unit volume of water required to transfer an infinitesimal quantity of water from
a reference pool of water at the elevation of the soil to the point of interest in the soil at
reference air pressure and temperature.

When expressed in energy per unit weight (m), then we simply use h (pressure head)

If the soil is unsaturated: soil water matric potential (h < 0)

If the soil is saturated: hydrostatic pressure potential (h =p > 0)

SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 23 -

Use tensiometer to measure soil water pressure potential:

Total soil water potential at A

=
Total water potential at B

The pressure in B is measured with a pressure transducer

As we shall see later:

From the length of the tensiometer, the pressure
Potential in soil at point A can be determined A
(either matric or hydrostatic pressure potential).

If soil at A is saturated, then:

Pressure potential or hydrostatic water pressure is equal to the water pressure exerted by
overlying unsupported saturated water at the point of interest. This is strictly positive, and
is equal to the pressure equivalent of the height of water above the point of interest (h =
hydrostatic pressure head, when expressed in potential per unit weight, Nm/m = m,
sometimes also denoted by p).

If soil at A is unsaturated, then:

ψp
h = matric pressure head given by: h = (units: m)
ρwg

In short notation, we sometimes refer to h = pressure head, independent of its sign

(saturated or unsaturated)

J If the tensiometer cup at point A is located at the water table (pressure is atmospheric
pressure), what is the pressure potential at point A ?

Ψ z - gravitational potential (can be + or -)

SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 24 -

Energy per unit volume of water required to move an infinitesimal amount of pure, free
water from the reference elevation (zo) to the soil water elevation (zsoil).

Potential = Work = Force X distance = F(zsoil - zo) = m g (zsoil - zo)

If potential is expressed per unit volume, then gravitational potential = (zsoil - zo), or

Ψz = m g (zsoil - zo)/V = ρwg(zsoil - zo)

where zsoil is the height above or below an arbritary reference level

zsoil = + , if above ref. level

= - , if below ref. level

If potential is expressed per unit weight, then gravitational potential

z = Ψz /ρwg = (zsoil - zo)

zsoil B

If one sets zo to 0, then gravitational potential :

z = (zsoil - zo) = zsoil = z z

zo A

Thus, z is positive, if point in consideration is above reference level (zo),

and z is negative, if point in consideration is below reference level.

One can chose zo anywhere, as long as one is consistent in its choice.

SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 25 -

J Now with this information, compute the soil water pressure potential at point A in the
previous diagram with the tensiometer of length L.

Ψ s - solute potential

- always negative since defined relative to pure H2O

- due to amount of salt in soil solution

- only important if have semi-permeable membrane (plant roots) or at air-water

interface (controls humidy of air phase)

ψs
s = osmotic pressure head given by: s = (units: m)
ρwg

Ψ a - air pressure potential

Accounts for changes in air pressure, different than the reference pressure (atmospheric
pressure). Important in pressure cells (Tempe cell) and pressure plate apparatus.

Positive, if air pressure is larger than reference pressure.

Negative, if air pressure is smaller than reference pressure

ψa
a = air pressure head given by: a = (units: m)
ρwg
SSC107 – Fall 2000 Chapter 2, Page - 26 -

Total water potential , ΨT

ΨT = Ψp + Ψz + Ψs + Ψa + .....

(Or in head units: H = h + z + s + a + . . . )

Much of our discussion will only include Ψp (<0 or >0) and Ψz

so ψ T = ψ p + ψ z or Total Head H = h + z

(Book Jury: sometimes uses h = p, if h > 0)

Other terminology found in the literature:

Suction = absolute value of h, if h < 0)

Hydraulic potential = ψ p + ψ z

Submergence potential = ψ p (+ only)

Pneumatic potential - due to air only